Affordable Exotic Cars That You Can Buy

It’s a price point that opens up many attractive options, and in particular when buying used. Here are three performance cars that can be had for under $100K in the second-hand market that deserve consideration for their own various reasons and have one thing in common: an ear-to-ear grin every time you step behind the wheel.

Ferrari 360 Modena Coupe/Spider

Ferrari 360 Spider

Related: Ferrari 360 Modena Buyers Guide

While less desirable examples of the Ferrari 360’s for sale have dipped well below the sub-$100k barrier, it would behove any prudent used exotic car purveyor to spend the extra cash to find a pristine example, lest they be left with hefty repair bills and an undesirable color combo.

The introduction of the 360 Modena represented a distinct turning point in Ferrari’s engineering capabilities and design language. Maranello decided to do away with flip-up headlights and side strakes, and switched to an aluminum space-frame chassis—40% stiffer than the steel one utilized in the Ferrari F355. These wholesale changes, coupled with a delightful sounding 3.6-liter V8 with 400-hp, combined to create a modern sports car that deserves strong consideration for an inclined enthusiast’s first exotic purchase.

Classic color combinations like Rossa Corsa on tan interior will likely demand a premium, but will be easier to sell when the time comes—if at all. My personal preference would be a late model year (2004-2005) 360 Spider with an F1 transmission and Daytona seats rather than the sports buckets.

Aston Martin V8 Vantage N420

Aston Martin V8 Vantage N420

Also now available for under $100K is a limited edition version of Aston Martin’s V8 Vantage, the N420, released back in 2010. The N420 is the successor to the N400 special edition from 2007, both released to commemorate the company’s motorsports achievements at the Nürburgring 24 hour race.

Power is unchanged—the N420 has the same 4.7-liter V8 with 420-hp as the standard V8 Vantage—but it does have a host of other trick pieces which do just enough to keep it from being run-of-the-mill. Although admittedly, the changes are mostly aesthetic, the use of carbon fiber in the splitter, side strakes and diffuser help offer a 60 pound weight savings. The carbon bits are complimented by 10-spoke diamond-turned gloss black wheels and black “Graphitic” coated tailpipe finishers. The N420 also comes standard with the Sports Pack suspension and a sports exhaust system.

Porsche 911 Turbo (997 Gen II)

Porsche 911 Turbo (997 Gen II)

The Porsche 911 Turbo has long reigned as the king of understated performance. It’s subdued outward appearance, combined with vicious AWD grip and violent accelerative capabilities have made it the choice of established professionals moonlighting as adrenaline junkies in every major metro area for the better part of a decade.

For around $100K, the 997 911 Turbo is a compelling choice. Within our budget it is possible to find a second generation 997, which would be any 911 Turbo from the 2010-2012 model year. Known by enthusiasts as the Gen II, these 997’s received an all-new 3.8-liter flat-6 with 500-hp and were reportedly able to reach 0-60mph in 2.9 seconds.

There aren’t too many visual differences between the Gen I and Gen II Turbo; the Gen II received LED rear lights and turn signals, a new front bumper with larger air intakes and larger exhaust outlets.